Which nighttime entertainment is not to be missed?

[rentayenta]

The star wars show is right in the center of HS. You'll want a clear view of the Chinese theater as there's projections on the entire building. It's a smaller area than the hub at MK so I'd recommend getting there about 45-60 min ahead of showtime to get a clear view. The CM's put tape down and mark off walkways, so I prefer to try to get on the front side of a walkway so no one stops and stands in front of us

Good info, thank you again. DH loves Star Wars so this may be a win-win.

 

[only hope]

If you should want an out of park night's entertainment, please go to River Roost and catch Yeehaw Bob's show at 8:30. Much fun and is very family oriented.

I second this. Bob is a lot of fun. The second set is slightly less family oriented but it is not inappropiate. He usually plays 8:30-10:00ish and then takes a break. There’s no cover charge or minimum order, though you should order something. Check his website to see when he’s playing if you’re interested.

RoL is ok. It’s pretty, but I was bored during parts of it. Every kid is different, but I think generally speaking it may be the least appealling for kids. The current SW show has few fireworks; it’s mostly images from the movie projected onto the theater, set to music. HEA is better in the park- if you can get a good view of the castle. In May, it will likely be hot and humid; watching in an uncrowded location outside the park that gets the music piped in may be a better choice for yor family. It’s still enjoyable. We watched from TTC recently; we loved the scale of the fireworks in comparison to the castle from that distance.

 

[FastPasser.]

Illuminations is the only fireworks show that I cannot miss.

Agreed, not being a fan of projections whatsoever, HEA, Fantasmic and SWaGS don't do it for me. And even though I've watched Illuminations hundreds of times, that's not a typo, I still pay attention..

 

[North of Mouse]

HEA, along with the castle projections is our favorite nighttime show - but ONLY center front of the castle - anything less is not worth it to us.

ROL is a very good show (although some give it a bad rap) and we usually see it more than once a trip.
Fantasmic is the next favorite.

 

[ps17]

You will find this a "preference" thing. Here are ours:

Can't miss: Star Wars, Illuminations (regular or holiday), Holiday wishes
Used to be can't miss but now unable to fit in: Fantasmic
Don't care for: Fireworks at MK (whatever it is called), ROL - never saw it but based on reviews and viewing of the online videos (youtube) mostly for uninspiring soundtrack

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

If you should want an out of park night's entertainment, please go to River Roost and catch Yeehaw Bob's show at 8:30. Much fun and is very family oriented.

EVERY SINGLE TIME SOMEONE MENTIONS YEEHAW BOB I HAVE TO CHIME (SHOUT) IN!!!
He's the best!
The man is a genius!
Brilliant show, funny, smart, best entertainer in WDW Imho!
Do not miss him!

 

[Gophers]

I would rather walk around pandora at night then watch ROL.
Love HEA and Fantasmic. For some reason we have missed Illuminations but will see this time around.

 

[KevM]

If you’re going to be on the Poly beach I’d suggest also hanging out for the Electrical Water Pageant.

 

[slpeters]

We saw five of the evening shows during our recent trip--they were doing Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam instead of Star Wars while we were there. Our favorites were HEA and ROL and we also enjoyed JBJB and Illuminations. The only one we didn't care for was Fantasmic.

 

[joyjoy]

We LOVED RoL! Can't wait to see it again. Other fave is Illuminations. Haven't seen HEA yet, the last 2 trips we just couldn't bear the thought of the crowds, so this year we bought the dessert party w/ Plaza viewing. No desire whatsoever to see the Star Wars thing. Does anyone else remember, years and years ago, the fireworks at MGM that were set to classical music? THAT was my idea of a gorgeous fireworks show. What a lovely end to a hot summer day at Disney World... <sigh>